On CNBC’s Squawk Box, Ford CEO Jim Farley applauded President Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariff on heavy‑duty trucks, calling it an opportunity to level the playing field for American manufacturers. He acknowledged, however, that parts tariffs—ranging from 25 to 70 percent—create a major “headwind” for Ford, adding roughly $2 billion in costs. Farley expressed optimism that solutions are within reach through ongoing negotiations with the administration.
Alabama continues to earn national recognition as a leading destination for business investment, with Area Development magazine ranking the state among the top performers in its 2025 Top States for Business report. The annual ranking highlights states that excel in attracting and supporting economic growth.
Starbucks announced Thursday that it will lay off 900 corporate employees and close hundreds of stores across North America as part of a sweeping $1 billion restructuring plan. The decision, unveiled by CEO Brian Niccol in a letter to employees, marks the second round of layoffs since he took over the company in August 2024.
Despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s repeated boasts about California’s economy ranking fourth in the world, the state is struggling to provide jobs for its residents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California had the highest unemployment rate in the nation in August at 5.5%, a figure unchanged from July. The Golden State is one of only a handful of states with an unemployment rate above 5%, well above the national average of 4.3%.
The Trump administration is touting a major economic resurgence as a result of its renewed pro-growth, pro-energy, and pro-investment agenda. At a press conference this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted key indicators showing that the U.S. economy is rebounding strongly under President Donald Trump’s leadership—just months after he returned to office.
Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo is sounding the alarm over Disney’s recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live, warning that the entertainment giant could face major financial fallout if the show is canceled.
Toyota is recalling 591,377 vehicles in the U.S. because of a flaw in an instrument cluster display: the 12.3‑inch panel behind the steering wheel may stay blank at startup. When it fails, drivers won’t see important signals like speed, brake warnings, or tire pressure alerts—raising risk of crashes or injury.
Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh is facing ethics concerns over legislation he introduced that could have benefited a company owned by his wife, Kaltum Mohamed. The controversy comes as Fateh, who is campaigning as a socialist for Minneapolis mayor, pushes a platform focused on housing and social services.
Mustafa Suleyman, the recently appointed CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection, has issued a stark warning against treating artificial intelligence like sentient beings. In a candid interview with Wired, Suleyman said giving AI any kind of legal or moral rights would be not only premature—but dangerous.
The shutdown of five paper mills in southeast Georgia is expected to slash $2.9 billion annually from the state’s economy, lawmakers were told during a House Rural Development Committee hearing on Wednesday.
